Verbum Dei: Black Institution or Done? - The Los Angeles Sentinel

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Verbum Dei: Black Institution or Done?

Written by Kenneth Miller, (Managing Editor), on 06-11-2009 00:00

Favoured

Andre Miller

Danny Bakewell Jr.

Hardy Nickerson

Treasured School Legacy is in a Box
Verbum Dei Alumni and school administrators at crossroads

By Kenneth Miller
Sentinel Managing Editor

The once powerful and rich athletic tradition of one of Southern California's most treasured institutions made a historical hire of a varsity football coach that has school administrators and its influential alumni at a critical crossroads.
Verbum Dei High School, an all male private Catholic school located in Watts, has for decades been a symbol of success churning our star athletes and transforming troubled youth into scholars and stars throughout its illustrious history.
However, the cornerstone for the foundation of much of that success has been its committed alumni which beyond the years of their graduation and success in sports and business feels that it is being forced out.
Last week the tiny school in Watts with roughly 314 students split almost evenly between Hispanics and African Americans selected former Compton and Gardena Serra assistant coach James Durk as it's new football coach.
The decision to hire Durk over former legendary Verbum Dei coach Lalo Mendoza was perhaps the final wedge between the administration and the Verbum Dei Alumni Association.
The alumni recommended Mendoza, the first non Verbum Dei alumni to be hired as coach, but Principal Dr. Daniel O'Connell selected Durk.
O'Connell, in his first year at the school, and President Rev. William Muller, SJ were not available for comment.
However, another alumni Sean McCormick criticized Muller for being a dictator and not welcoming any suggestions from the parents.
McCormick is the president of the Verbum Dei Parents and Faculty Association and is miffed that Muller has suggested that if parents could afford to send their students to other schools they would and encouraged high achieving students to attend Loyola.
"On more than one occasion he has said to us that it doesn't matter what you think that he will run the school whichever way he so decides," McCormick told the Sentinel.
"Coach Mendoza represented a tradition and legacy that is necessary for out students-athletes. He has experience with helping young men over come enormous odds and grooms them to become positive citizens in the community," said Teddy McMillan president of the alumni and a former player under Mendoza.
A graduate of 1987 and co-Valedictorian, McMillan went on to earn a scholarship at Cal State Fullerton and currently works in the education field.
He is among an illustrious list of former Verbum Dei alums such as the late Raymond Lewis, UCLA assistant basketball coach Donny Daniels, successful businessman and developer Danny Bakewell Jr., acclaimed actor Danny Glover, former NBA players David Greenwood and Kenny Fields, former NFL stars Hardy Nickerson, Vernon Maxwell, current NBA star Andre Miller and current NFL player Kenechi Udeze.
It's a legacy that the alumni contends is not welcome and appreciated by the current administration, and they cite proof of the countless awards and trophies that the athletic programs have won being locked award in a bend instead of being on display.
McMillan says that alumni have offered to even build a trophy case to display the items that reflect the school's glorious history, but has been ignored.
Since the school opened in 1962, it has been its storied athletic tradition that has brought heightened attention and resources to the school.
In the past Rev. Fisher Robinson embraced it, but apparently the current administration is destined to move forward into an element of the unknown.
The hiring of a new football coach was more than about one single sporting event, especially since Mendoza has captured championships and developed athletes in other sports and beyond the playing surface.
According to the alumni it was about the future direction of the school and embracing the legacy that was established during some of the most turbulent times in the history of our nation, particularly the Watts Riots of 1965.
"As members of the alumni, we have a vested responsibly to Verbum Dei and our opinions are based on living experience through our relationship with the school and it should be respected and welcomed," said Bakewell Jr.
The school is operated by the Roman catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is governed by the Cristo Rey model which indicates that Verbum Dei would only accept economically disadvantaged students or whose parents cannot earn more than $75,000.
"That would mean that individuals such as myself and many other successful alumni could not send their sons to a school they adore and love," added McMillan.

Last update: 06-10-2009 18:26

Published in : News, Local

Users' Comments (25)

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Posted by concerned parent, on 06-11-2009 08:49,

This is so sad. It's sad that Black people will tear down a good institution because they cant get what they want. It's also sad that this article is written with such a slant. By chance, you wouldnt know any verb alumni Mr. Miller, would you???
Truth #1- the policy has not changed since the last president and principal- it is just finally being upheld. Thank you JESUS!
Truth #2- the Cristo Rey Network has its own rules that dictacte who can/ cannot attend their schools. This was exlained to us in the beginning. Verb is apart of the Cristo Rey Network- If the school doesnt abide by their rules the school will lose funding...and doors will be closed (just like they would have been before the Jesuits and Cristo Rey came in years ago). I wonder how much money Mr. McMillan and Mr. McCormick were willing to give when the doors were threatening to close.
Truth #3- Alumni panties have been in a bunch every since the contract of a previous coach was not renewed. Personally I was happy his contract wasnt renewed because my son deserves to be coached by men that are more respectful-which is something I complained to the last administration about- but they were too scared to do anything.
Truth #4- In a meeting regarding the firing of the football coach alumni were so disrespectful. Threatening, giving the middle finger to, and yelling at the president and principal...so who really is the dictator? who really doesnt want to work with who?

This is a small number of alumni making a fuss- the majority of alums are supportive...whenever my son shares with an alum he is going to Verb I hear nothing but positive things.

In the end, the alumni dont want a better Verb- they just want a Verb they can control. Grow up and get over it.

Tired parent!

Posted by sophia edison-smith, on 06-11-2009 09:07,

as a parent of an verb student , you would need t know tis is bigger than just hiring a football coach. time after time our young men have asked for help , the new administration is wrong and now has furthered the distrust we have for them. there are alot of parent who feel the same . so understand that our voice is loud and we shall be heard.

Posted by An Informed Citizen, on 06-11-2009 09:31,

The concerned parent(above) seems to be on the 4-year and out plan upon their son's graduation and since the school has dangled a few carrots, have lost all sense of fairness with regards to the admission policy, issues with alumni, and recent events at the school. Alumni are tied to the school forever and apparently you don't realize that. How much have you given to YOUR school in the last year????

Posted by Concerned Mom, on 06-11-2009 10:14,

As a concerned parent, I hope other parents realize this school has so much more to offer than sports and the staff that will coach them. I think the academic program is excellent. In reference to the coaching staff, when the previous coaching staff was terminated a parent approached me to sign a petition to assist with him getting his job back, when I asked the parent if she knew the reason for his termination she stated "We don't care why he was fired, we just want him back" and for that very reason alone I could not attend that meeting or sign the petition. Come on parents we need to pick and choose our battles, and want what is best overall for the young men of Verbum Dei. Lets insure that the school hires quality teachers, and provide nutritious foods, and qualified security personnel. This is just food for thought!

Posted by Concerned Parent, on 06-11-2009 10:18,

Thank you for the article. I beg to differ that Verbum Dei aspires to help troubled youth, I'm saddened to say that my son was treated very badly by the current administration. I hold pain and animosity because of the way my son was treated however, we both are moving on into the future. If you ask me if Verb was good for my sons self esteem my reply would have to be a resounding NO! My son has no criminal history, he was just guilty of being young and immature and fatherless because of the recent death of his dad. Dr. O'Connell along with Brandi Odom tried to break him down, eat away at his confidence, tear down his self-esteem, We didn't sign up for that kind of treatment but it's exactly what we got!

Posted by A Person Using Logic, on 06-11-2009 10:37,

There was an entire committee that decided on that new coach. The alumni are trying to sabotage the administration. This article is a joke and a lie. The administration put out a press release with their statement and they sent it directly to this newspaper, and the newspaper decided they didn't like it. The administration continues to try and work with the alumni, but the alumni don't listen. Kenneth Miller, you should be fired. Dr. O'Connell and Rev. Muller have been more than patient with these alumni. By using such words, as "final wedge," you are just trying to incite more unnecessary drama, and on a day that is so much more important than winning a football season: GRADUATION. There are seniors graduating today, going on to college. That should be the most important thing. Why can't the alumni understand logic? Why would you write such a biased, ignorant article? Shame on you.

Posted by Sean McCormick VERB C/O 82, on 06-11-2009 10:51,

The firing or hiring of a coach is just an issue that open a wound that has been there since the jesuit took over Verb! But the fact being you have only come to Verb in the last year or two your knowledge of our history is limited(Concerned Parent #1)While you are Thanking Jesus the Cristo Rey admission policy is being upheld let's revisit your W-2 to see if you really should have a son at VERB, this is why you are in support of the current ADMIN, YOU HAVE TO BE IN ORDER FOR YOUR SON TO REMAIN @ this fine school I've supported, attended and continue to do so since the early 70's! Don't be upset with the ALUMNI if we choose not to be PUPPETS!!!!! Remember the very ADMISSION POLICY YOU SUPPORT WILL KEEP YOUR GRANDSON OUT OF VERB or your son can follow your footsteps and not those of a TRUE EAGLE and be a PUPPET that will surely get him a seat at the current admin's VERB!! Your reference of ALUMS having our PANTIES in a bunch it seems to me YOU WEAR YOUR PANTIES WELL!

Posted by Informed Money Giver, on 06-11-2009 10:55,

My company has supported Verbum Dei through the Work Study Program and I have donated money for the past eight years, before the current administration was brought in. What should be known by the current parents. Is the school was facing closure and the cancelation of all sports as recently as a few months ago. The mission of any alumni is to raise money, (Loyaola, Mater Dei, USC) which will in turn allow your sons to flourish and thrive. I assume the intention of this article and the statements made by the men quoted, was to put a light on the fact that the hiring of this coach would have garnered support from the many successful alumni that have attended the school. Maybe if these star athletes where brought into the fold by the administration then the director of the work Study program wouldn’t be calling my boss to tell him they may go up on his rates which will result in my company pulling support which will result in the school closing.

Posted by I GAVE MONEY TO SCHOOL, on 06-11-2009 10:55,

OF ALL THOSE ALUMNI LISTED, HOW MANY ACTUALLY GIVE MONEY OR HELP OUT IN SOME WAY AT THE VERB? I'D WAGER NONE. (I'M ALSO TALKING TO THESE SO-CALLED CONCERNED PARENTS AND CITIZENS). THAT'S WHY THE JESUITS CAME IN WHEN THE SCHOOL ALMOST SHUT DOWN. WHY DON'T THESE ANGRY ALUMNI BUY THE SCHOOL BACK? THEY JUST COMPLAIN AND PLAY THE VICTIM. ENOUGH.

Posted by Compassionate Verb Parent, on 06-11-2009 12:23,

To Concerned-Tired Parent #1,
This has nothing to do with Black people tearing down the Verb institution, just as you're doing by your unprofessional comments about members of the Alumni. It has everything to do with the deception displayed by Dr. O'Connell and Fr. Muller. Most if not all of their decisions during their administration has been disloyal lacking trust from many of the students under their instruction. The genuine concern should be for the students, and not baiting them for answers or information just to mess with their heads. After observation, I am very disappointed with many of the decisions these two individuals have made, and cannot see any positive movement forward in providing a comfortable learning environment in place of an uncomfortable one where students, parents and the Alumni do not have trust or support of the individuals that lead the school. What has taken years to build up in the Verb institution in terms of the historical fabric academically, spiritually, and athletically, Dr. O'Connell and Fr. Muller have torn down in less than one year. How unfortunate. Maybe you as a concerned-tired parent can advocate for all students and stakeholders of interest instead of advocating only for your son.

Posted by Harold Edison, on 06-11-2009 12:55,

My comments are to the signed "Tired parent! his name is Mr. Darrell Hunter formal President of the PFO. The Verbum Dei tradition was build on principle's such as "The Word Of God" and "Only the Strong Shall Survive". It is with these principles we Alumni met with the Jesuits in 2002. We migrated the 2002 Alumni Board with the new administration and had a huge kick-off picnic in July of 2002 to celebrate Verbum Dei 40 Year anniversary. Next our goal was to follow up with an agenda of multiple alumni fundraising events, however the alumni board was dismantled in Sept. 2002 right before we were to present our strategic plan. We attempted to come with creative ways to assist the school finically ie, establish a GL number for alumni to donate money to, created an alumni basket ball league and mentor program which were not supported by the administration. Keep in mind this was 2002.
As an alumni, parent and formal President of the PFO 2005-2007 I was able to build relationships with the Principle Dr. Susan Abelen who supported these initiatives however she has been replaced.
Darrell, I understand why you are quick to turn this into a grudge match based on my passionate presentation at the parent meeting and defend the current administration actions and disregard for the alumni. Take my advice, you do not have to sell yourself out in order to guarantee you child gets accepted. As a formal PFO President, my goal was to be a solid role model for all parents and share college preparation at home. I would speak with openly to Dr. Abelen and we were always able to work out something in the students best interest.
At the end of that meeting you referenced I stated that Muller, O'Connell and Wills were in a position to join forces with the community and take the mission of serving the community to a new level. However every time we attempted to do this we were met with middle finger. Dr. Abelen is no longer with us because she believed in the Alumni.

Posted by Positive Outlook, on 06-11-2009 15:39,

It's shameful that Tired-Parent#1 is so shallow is his/her analysis of the "real" issues. Maybe a Verbum Dei education would've served you well. That's the main reason why I'm supportive of the voucher system.

Posted by medgar Boston class of 81, on 06-11-2009 15:59,

PARENT NUMBER ONE
I am not just an alumnus I sit if the Verbum Dei Governing Board. iI have been to Chicago I read the book on Cristo Rey I know the model in detail. In this case I think this was the worst strategic decision that has been made. For those of you who don’t know I started the Verbum Dei Alumni Association over eight years ago, to help the school when it was facing closure. I worked with the previous administration to foster trust with the alumni and surrounding community in hopes of getting alumni back. The key reason the alumni have never given to Verbum Dei, is not because of their unwillingness to give, it is a matter of trust. Over the past 20 years money has been mismanaged by previous administration who at the time said “trust me, we’re not those guys”. The only constant was Lalo Mendozao. For the entire time he was employed at the Verb, alumni support was there. Not until he left did it dry up. Each time we have a board meeting the question of funds and how to raise them is paramount. Inevitably someone will ask, “ where’s the Alumni”. The alumni are Lalo Mendoza. I have been beating my head here for eight years, to get the support of my fellow alumni. I know he was personally asked to apply for the job and when he was not hired the statement “ Lalo was the past, we need to move forward” was said. Considering our current financial situation and the state of alumni relations this was our best chance to mend those fences. The excuse for not listening to the Alumni is The “It’s just a few disgruntled people” excuse.
The Alumni Association is an elected office that represents the alumni at large. If you try to dismantle the spirit of that group by referring to them as just a group of disgruntled alumni you spit in their face and further erode the trust. Believe me when I tell you there are many alumni watching what happens. We the alumni will be hear in 20 years .. WILL YOU.

You can email me at bostonm@pacbell.net

Posted by Hoping for a better future, on 06-11-2009 16:24,

Coach Mendoza showed up to the mock practice with the fired coach as one of his staff. He did run as good a practice and the hiring committee, NOT THE PRINCIPAL, which included players and parents, decided on Coach Durk. Perhaps when Durk wins some games for verb, then the alumni will finally trust this new administration. It's a shame that they are continuing a cycle of mistrust. From what I have observed, the administration has done nothing but listen to the alumni and try and work with them, only to be misquoted and maligned by people who only are burdened by the past.

Posted by Wish They Could Be Down, on 06-11-2009 17:06,

Alumni shouldn't even entertain discussion with disgruntled men who only wish they had worn the might blue and gold. Let's stay focussed on the issues at hand. We are fighting policy issues which they would never quite understand. We've got a legacy to continue.

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